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2018 Nissan Kicks the Soul out of Kia

The Kia Soul is a popular car with folks that want style and utility at a bargain price when new car shopping. Nissan has a new entry-level crossover that might lure some of those Soul buyers Nissan’s way. The new car is called the Kicks and it’s expected to replace the fun to drive but controversially-styled Juke with something a little more conservative.

All will have the same 1.6L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine, making 125 hp and 115 lb-ft.of torque. Nissan expects 33 mpg combined fuel economy from the little engine, connected to an Xtronic CVT. There will be seven colors and five two-tone combinations with most featuring black roofs. The more adventurous can get an orange roof with gray body or a white roof with blue body.

The compact crossover will be offered in three trims: Kicks S, Kicks SV, and Kicks SR. The base Kicks S gets a handful of standard features including automatic emergency braking, Bluetooth connectivity, a trio of USB ports, intelligent auto headlights, and roof rails. The Kicks SV adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic, alert, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more. The Kicks SR gets LED low-beam headlights, LED accent lights, and other cosmetic upgrades, as well as an optional premium package highlighted by Bose Personal Plus sound system, which includes nearfield speakers integrated into the driver’s seat headrest.

The best thing is that the Kicks starts at “well under $19,000.” It’s expected to hit dealerships in June 2018.